St. Louis Park closes public facilities, plans to meet on COVID-19

Nature Center, Recreation Outdoor Center, Recreation Center to close

Art by Maggie Klaers. As of March 13, there is one case of COVID-19 in St. Louis Park.

Gabriel Kaplan

This story is updated as of 7:15 p.m. March 15.

In an update published by the St. Louis Park municipal government, the city announced it will close the Westwood Hills Nature Center, the Recreation Outdoor Center, and the Rec. Center, however, city hall will remain open for the time being. 

“The closures include all rentals and programs scheduled at these facilities during this time period. Trails and outdoor areas at Westwood Hills Nature Center remain open to visitors,” the statement read. “These closures are to help protect the health and wellness of the St. Louis Park community due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will be re-evaluated prior to March 27.”

The St. Louis Park City Council plans to meet 5:15 p.m. March 16 to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the statement released March 15. Unlike usual, the meeting will be broadcast online and on TV to ensure accessibility without threatening individuals’ health.

The St. Louis Park City Council meets Monday, March 16, at 5:15 p.m. for a briefing on the city’s preparation for and response to coronavirus (COVID-19),” the statement read. “All meetings will take place in the council chambers at St. Louis Park City Hall, to allow ample area for social distancing among attendees.”